However, the EPA ratings showed another surprising development in the industry – the brand-new Rivian R2 Performance is officially rated in terms of energy performance and is even equal to the competing Tesla Model Y Performance in terms of energy usage parameters.
Namely, according to the EPA ratings, the new Rivian R2 Performance has a combined MPGe of 105. This corresponds to an energy consumption ratio of 32 kWh per 161 km that is completely the same for the rival. It is worth noting that in terms of total mileage, the Rivian has a slight lead over its rival and offers 531 km while the Model Y can provide only 492 km on one battery charge.
This parity in efficiency is even more surprising in view of different physical features of the two models under discussion. While the Model Y represents a sleek, aerodynamic crossover type of electric car, the R2 Performance comes with an old-school and bulky SUV shape. Rivian positioned the R2 at a greater height from the ground and gave it a much bigger and boxier look, equipped with a straight windshield, while the R2 Performance has about 363 kg of extra weight compared to its competitor – it weighs about 2,381 kg.
Also Read : 2026 Ford Bronco Sport First Look: Less Equipment, Lower Prices
It is expected that a tall and hefty electric vehicle would be less efficient when it comes to aerodynamics. However, it seems that Rivian was able to counterbalance this disadvantage with a slight increase in capacity of its battery pack. While the R2 model has an 86.8 kWh battery pack, the Model Y Performance utilizes an 84 kWh pack. Thus, the former manages to go a bit farther, i.e., 39 km.
Also Read : BYD Auto Updates the Atto 3 with More Range and Advanced Technology
The capacity of production will be a key challenge faced by the challenger brand. As per the industry forecasts, the firm is expected to manufacture 22,000 to 23,000 units of the R2 this year, and this figure amounts to a very small proportion of the volume produced by the established production capabilities at Tesla. However, matching the industry standard with respect to energy efficiency highlights the ability of the firm to develop a rival SUV.
